The petite lady (hehehe) with an English name and an Italian-sounding surname. Apelyido raw ng Mafia.
Small but terrible… sometimes (hehehe)
Lives in Marikina City since 1969
Graduated in elementary and secondary level from a school run by nuns belonging to the Order of St. Benedict, located in Marikina City
Finished college at the first university for women founded by Asians, with campus in Quezon City. Today it’s a co-ed school.
Born under the Virgo sign
Birthplace is in a province in the Ilocos Region
First job as proofreader for a defunct movie magazine headed by the original tomboy of showbiz
Longest-serving staff member of Bookware’s Production Department since 1995
Meaning of name: Ellen is an English form of Helen that means LIGHT. In a book of baby names, the image described on Ellen is… a real sweetie—a pretty, pleasant, soft-spoken woman who enjoys helping others. Is it true on my account? Just see me in the flesh, get to know me and find out for yourself.
1. Do you have an alias/a.k.a? What is it?
Secret ‘yan.
2. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
None in particular, kahit ano.
3. What movie/s are you waiting for?
None but I’m hoping to see a movie about the first rebellion against God, something like Battle in Heaven: St. Michael vs Lucifer. Magawa kaya ni Mel Gibson like he did in The Passion of the Christ?
4. If you wanted to be in a band, what genre of music would your band play?
Ballad and Pop. Ayoko ng rock. Batuhin kita d’yan. Hehehe.
5. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Freshwater eel. Inihaw o prito ba ‘yun? Madulas sa bibig. Yuck!
6. Do you want to live with your parents forever or move out?
I want to stay with them forever but if it’s not possible then… huhuhu.
7. Where is the place you want to be right now?
Tirad Pass in Ilocos Sur. I would like to see this historic place where Gen. Gregorio del Pilar died. Plus Mount Makiling, I’m curious about the place where the “door” to the enchanted kingdom of the diwata Maria is found. But I won’t go inside since I may not be able to go back to where I belong. It was said that a short stay even for one second or a minute in a mystery/enchanted place is equivalent to a long period of time. Let’s say five minutes ka lang doon, paglabas mo sampung taon na pala ang nagdaan. Nyek! Mount Makiling is Encantadia to me. Weird ko ba?
8. What songs do you listen to feel happy?
Hindi ako mahilig sa music, but I like songs that are not irritating to the ears.
10. In Star Wars, who is your favorite character?
Luke? Chewbacca? Artoo? Han Solo! And Darth Vader.
11. What movie/s made you cry?
Ghost
12. Name famous people that you have a crush on:
Hmm… as far as I can remember, it was Shaun Cassidy who became my first celebrity crush. Pierce Brosnan when he was still Remington Steele on TV. Then there’s Charlie Sheen. My current crush? Zilch! Wala. Pero baka si Brad Pitt. Hehehe.
13. What is your favorite drink?
Iced tea
14. Which cartoon character is your favorite?
Mas gusto ko pa rin ang Voltes V
15. Paper or Plastic?
Paper kung eco-friendly, plastic pag kailangan kong magbitbit ng heavy or wet items.
16. If you could freely kill just one celebrity, who would it be?
Duh? And be like the killer of John Lennon, Mark David Chapman? No way! Gagawin mo pa akong kriminal?
17. Coke or Pepsi?
Coke is it!
18. In a week, how many times do you go online?
It depends on my mood.
19. Describe yourself in one word?
Supladitang mabait (oh, two words na ‘yan!)
20. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
It’s either I take a look at my cat sleeping on my bed or I say my morning prayer.
21. What’s the last thing you do before you go to bed?
Pray. (Uy, parang tanong ni Ricky Lo. Hahaha)
22. Something about you that you’re proud of:
Ano nga ba? Ah, I submitted a poem to an online poetry contest in 2002 and it came out a semi-finalist.
23. Are you happy?
Happy to be single.
24. Why?
Walang hombre na magdidikta sa akin.
25. What is the most important material object you possess?
My cellphone. I can get in touch with my siblings, those close to me that I don’t see much or never get the chance to see face to face.
30. What are you listening to right now?
Sa tunog ng keyboard
31. Complete this sentence: the world needs _____:
Superman (hehehe)
32. What was the last thing you ate?
Pei Pa Koa candy. My throat hurts.
33. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I’d choose Purple Heart
34. What do you do during your breakfast time?
Of course, eat my breakfast, whatever it is, and drink the ever-present coffee.
35. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Matagal na ako hindi sumasagot ng telepono.
36. Last person who sent you a text?
My friend Josephine via Chikka
37. Last person you texted?
Josephine
38. The first thing you think about when you see the opposite sex?
Look at the face
39. Auto or manual car?
I’d choose Michael Knight’s talking car K.I.T.T. coz even if the driver falls asleep, the car drives itself. Tuloy ang takbo. And the car is computerized, it knows where to lead you… at may malalaman pang sekreto. Hehehe.
40. Favorite day(s) of the week?
Payday. Hehehe. Friday.
41. Favorite place?
Baguio City
42. Favorite sport?
Nah, wala akong sport. But I like volleyball.
43. Siblings?
8 – 1 = 7; minus me, it’s 6 (We were originally 8 kids in the family, 3 girls and 5 boys… now minus 1 brother)
44. What is the best way to release anger?
For me, self- dialogue
45. People you hate most?
Mga motoristang nasa high beam ang headlights even on a sunny day and those who don’t switch on their headlights at night. Mga tanga, they invite accidents.
46. What is the best thing about being a boy/girl?
About boys, they are physically strong and so are girls but to a different degree. Both genders, including the third sex, also make the world a happy place.
47. The last thing/s you bought?
Ano na ba ‘yung binili ko? Ah, load.
48. Scary movies or happy?
Happy, of course. I don’t like watching horror films.
49. What do you usually do when you’re stuck in a traffic jam?
Finish praying the rosary and do some texting
50. Text or call?
Text, text, text, text, text!
Wow! Saludo ako sa mga sagot mo sa tanong – frank pero sincere. God bless!
Ahahaha! ang cute!
now i know kung bakit na-approve yung isang weird ko na MS. kasi may weird ding editor.. haha!
peace!
it’s nice to meet you ho…i don’t think we’ve met in person. and i have often wondered about you, kasi ang pangalan niyo ay nakasulat sa lahat ng mga libro. buti na lang may ganito na.
and i do agree…i saw reruns of remington steele and brosnan was hot there.
ps…i am trying to conjure up a name, but i give up…sino ang original tomboy ng showbiz? hehe.
Even if you conceal yourself behind glasses, i just knew you’re some friend i could keep for keeps…salamat sa pag-alaga mo sa ‘kin and just for being there, hindi ako nalunod dahil lagi kang nandyan noon. Take care, AE!
PS: advance HB!!!
“Walang hombre na magdidikta sa akin.” *AMEN!* LOL
Ang saya! Coming up with the staff’s slumbook is a brilliant idea
Hei Ellen, crush ko rin si Shaun Cassidy—alala ko siya in his tight pants saka siya kekembot-kembot habang kinakanta ang “That’s Rock and Roll”…More power to you!
wow, astig si miss ellen. Since 1995, sa bookware na siya. two thumbs up sa loyalty!
yumi, i’m trying to figure that out too! (ung original tomboy sa showbiz) hehehe!
nice meeting you ms. ellen.
thanks to all for your comments. but let me answer each one…
Audrey Torres – yeah, tanda ko ‘yang title ng kanta ni Shaun. Grade 5 yata ako n’un. He was on the Hardy Boys too, right? Unang kanta niya nga ba Da Do Ran Ran? Do-re-mi ang alam kong kantahin. Hahaha. Oy, ‘yung kuwento mo, nasaan na?
Scuzki – you’re welcome. Nagsasalamin na lang ako pag nagbabasa at pag nasa harap ng computer. Sakali makita mo ulit ako, wala na akong salaming suot at kailan kaya ‘yun? luwas ka na nga para makita ka rin ng ibang lukaret dito sa Bookware. hindi ka nalunod considering magkaiba tayo ng body size? hehehe.
Jean Mae – matagal na akong weird, hindi lang madalas umarya. Hehehe.
Louise Dane – thank you. Wala nga lang akong loyalty medal. Huhuhu. Ehe, ano ba ‘yun, ginawa kong school ang Bookware.
Tarra – thanks for your comment. Ano ‘yung saludo mo, 21 gun salute? Hehehe
Elise – gusto mong gamitin sa kuwento mo ang linya kong ‘yun? Puwede. Hindi lang ako ang nagsasabi niyan.
Hannah and Doreen – the original tomboy ng showbiz is Portia Ilagan. I thank her for giving me the chance to have my first job with her. She was the one who trained me kaya unknowingly, I found myself becoming the “terror sa proofreading” during those years I work in the magazine na hanggang sa Bookware ay dinala ko. Kaya beware, ayusin n’yo mga errors n’yo, ha! Hahaha! Joke.
God bless all.
kasasabi ko lang ayusin ang errors, may mali akong nasulat. hahaha! …work must be in the past tense… during those years I worked in the magazine.
Hei Ellen, may naipasa na akong dalawang MSS. Nadagdag na nga sa pambayad ng operasyon ng nanay ko ang aking fee…I have some projects underway; kaso nasa vacation mode ako ngayon and my garden needs attention…Nah, may mental block ako!…Pero balik tayo kay Shaun Cassidy; kakainis siya noong pakasal siya sa Playboy model na si Ann Pennington…Pero teka, grade 5 ka pa lang, may crushes ka na? Tama talaga ang hinala ko sa mga pumasok sa iskwelahang exclusive for girls—opposite sila ng mga pumasok sa exclusive for boys!
aha! sa wakas, heto ang matagal ko nang hinihintay! hi ma’am Ellen! Type ko yung movie na pinakahihintay mo, St. Michael VS Lucifer, ang gandang panoorin yon sa big screen! TC!
Oo, talagang magtatanong sana ako kung may Italian side ka… at kung baka kid sister ka ni Michael Corleone… All the best, Ellen!
Au, oo nga, kainis n’ung nagpakasal si Shaun at the peak of his career. hindi pa nga boto ang mom niya na si Shirley Jones kay Ann kasi mas matanda si babae ng 10 years sa panganay niya. hay, kunusta na kaya ang mga ‘yun? may nakita ako pic ni Shaun, ang taba niya!
Ahm…speechless,
hi po. Na shy ako bigla, invisible kasi ako sa office. Kakatuwa ang page na ‘to, di lang kami ang stars sa slumbook, yey!
to Mika Edelstann, kung sasabihin ko bang kid sister nga ako ni Michael Corleone, the Godfather, matatakot ka sa akin? hehehe. joke. ang alam ko sa mga ninuno ko, may Spanish blood sila, not Italian. May Lambinicio sa Italy but it’s spelled like this: Lambiniccio. Parang kay Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio. Mahirap i-pronounce ang apelyido ko, mahaba pa. *my tongue got twisted*
to Aira, pati ako invisible at times sa office. now you see me, now you don’t. hehehe.
paging, hannah wabe… copies and pasted from malou’s page: ms (ate?) ellen….i tried googling portia, pero hindi ko talaga mamukhaan. si ate luds ang sikat ng kapanahunan ko. hehe. my tanong: you tried googling portia and did you see her pic? pero kahit anong paghukay mo sa kailaliman ng isip mo kung nakita mo na siya sa TV or mag, wala talaga? my sagot: pare-parehong may talk shows sina portia, lolit solis at inday badiday during the 1980s at halos magkakasabay sila. dumating sa punto na hindi na masyado naging visible si ate porsche coz she also works for the revilla family… at present kay kap, este, senator bong. matatahimik na kaya ang naguguluhang isip mo about portia ilagan?
para kay hannah pa rin… hay, hindi pa rin ako natuto mag-type nang maayos maski kay tagal na panahon na ako na tak-tak-tak sa keyboard ng computer…. copied not copies, itinama ko ang mali ko, oh! yes, you are free to call me ate ellen. almost everyone in bookware call me that.
Dear Ate Ellen,
Parang nakita ko pong kasali kayo sa slumbook for writers. Malakas po ang kutob kong kayo ‘yun.
Nagsusulat pa rin po ba kayo ng romansa hanggang ngayon? May bago po ba kayong libro?
Nagmamahal,
Yumi
Pahabol:
Pareho po pala tayong Virgo at supladitang mabait.
ate, ellen, na-try ko siyang i-google sa images at may isang group shot na lumabas…pero hindi ako sure kung siya ‘yon when i did it. anyhow, since you mentioned bong revilla, nagkaroon ako ng epiphany…i have indeed met ms. porchops when we launched idol ko si kap (maaaany years back when i worked w/ kapuso)…i think i saw her several times. at hindi ko siya makakalimutan kasi medyo may kalakasan ang tinig niya. but not as loudmouth as lolit solis. short hair siya,palaging naka-checkered, may sapin sa likod, at minsan may cap. i can’t be mistaken. hehe. ayan, kaya ako curious sa kanya, kasi nga feeling ko familiar ang name. thanks for answering the question.
and i am echoing yumi’s question, nagsusulat pa ho ba kayo. when i first read that particular author’s slumbook, i had a feeling it was you…lalo na dahil may mga dates na nakasulat. hehe.
Dear Yumi,
Huwag kang maingay! Hahaha! Kaya nga n’ung unang lumabas ‘yun, naisip kong may ipatanggal kasi… alam mo na… makakawala ang pusa. Hahaha! Naging very honest lang naman ako. Hayan, marami na ang susunod sa ‘yo dahil d’yan. Pero bago pa man lumabas ang info, meron nang nakaalam.
Tamad na akong magsulat kasi nauubos ang oras sa editing. Wah! Supladitang mabait ka rin? Hala, sige, ayusin mo ‘yang mga errors mo sa manuscripts, huwag mong ipapasa hangga’t hindi mo napu-proofread para wala na kaming itatama. Hahahaha! Hindi madali ang mag-edit, huh, matagal nang nasisira ang utak ko sa kako-correct. Hahahaha!
Lovingly yours,
Ate Ellen
Mahal kong Ate Ellen,
Salamat po sa pagsagot sa abang liham ko.
Sabi ko na nga ba’t kayo iyon.
Pinagbubutihan ko na po ang pagtatama sa lahat ng mga mali ng aking mga obra. Alam ko po kasing mahirap ang trabaho niyo.
Sana po’y hindi kayo magsawa sa amin. Maraming salamat po.
Gumagalang,
Yumi
to yummy, este, yumi…
wahahaha. ngayon ko lang nabasa ang page na ito. nakakatawa ate ellen (ha, naki-ate)… hindi ko kayang panindigan. ellen na lang ako, please.
bakit hindi pa kita nakikilala? andaya. nakilala ko na si malou (siyempre bilang kauna-unahang tao na tumanggap ng MS ko sa dati niyong office), si apple (na kinukulit ko forever), pati nga si LV na wala na diyan ngayon.. at saka pala si jill na maganda ang shoes, bakit ikaw di ko pa nakikilala. kapag dumaan ulit ako, ikaw ang first agenda in life ko.
nakakainis naman si yumi at saka si hannah. bubuksan ko pa tuloy ngayon ang mga author’s slumbook para hanapin ka.
hahaha. alam ko na. nahanap ko na.
btw, fan ka rin ng Karate Kid?
to carla… duh? pati ikaw?
teka nga, wala naman si karate kid sa slumbook ko, ah. hmm… saan ba dito… ayun, sa isang response! wax on, wax off… obvious ba? hehehe.
okay, if you’re comfy with ellen minus the ate title, sige lang. hindi na kasi ako ang humaharap sa writers. long before you came, umeestima rin ako sa kanila. pero kasi ibinuro na ako ng dating boss ko sa table ko at nagkaroon na ako ng ibang assistant na siyang humawak na sa mga writers (mga ilan na ang dumaang assistant editor, i tell you, pero ako buhay pa rin sa bookware). i’m not even sure kung nakita na kita. pero sa puwesto ko sa dating office namin sa shaw, likod ko lang siguro ang nakita mo kasi nakaharap ako sa bintana. hehehe. mas masuwerte pa sa ‘yo ang ibong maya kasi nakikita ang mukha ko pag dumadapo siya sa labas ng glass window. hehehe. saka “invisible” ako sa office… now you see me, now you don’t.
naku, baka kandatawa na naman nito si yumi! uy, yumi at hannah, nainis sa inyo si carla, o! hahaha!
makikisingit at makikiate na rin ako..
waahh!! bakit ganun? di ko din alam yun!!!! nasa author’s slumbook pa din ba? mahanap nga..
at sino si victoria chua na sinasabi ni carla sa comment sa new release na kilala naming lahat na writers? hhmmm.. ang daming “mystery” ahehehe..
aha!!! hehe! ayan, kumakalat na ang tsismis!
4 times na rin akong nakapunta noon sa pasig office niyo pero si ms. malou lang nakikita ko doon. hehe!
ate ellen, pag nag-meet tayo someday, penge ako book mo with autograph, ha?